Ian and I already rang in the New Year and no, we aren’t in India. We are just wild and crazy like that. Rather than spending our evening squished among drunk tourists from Portugal, Kansas, or worst*, New Jersey and paying double not only for a sitter but for admittance to our favorite local bar, we went the cheap, er, practical route. We called our sitter at 8:30 this morning.

Ian and I wandered downtown to Soho to one of our favorite brunch places – but only after purchasing the perfect baby gift for Kimye’s unborn reality television goldmine (it’s a lifetime supply of therapy if you were wondering – and yes they sell it at DASH). We ate waffles and eggs as only the French can make them and rehashed 2012. We shared our lessons learned and highlight moments. We also laid out our visions for 2013. Ian has hope of stability at work and being present with family at home. I designated it a year of focus, rebuilding and pushing myself to the limits.

Next stop was MOMA – one of the only museums in the city I had never visited. Modern art isn’t really my thing, but the museum had a deep effect on me. It felt like I was in some kind of trance from the moment we stepped foot in the lobby. Some of the art pieces took my breath away. Others made me feel like I had been punched in the gut. Some made me smile, others brought a tear to my eye. Despite the museum being packed with people, it was a calm and quiet experience. For a ninety minutes, my mind was clear of all sorts of chatter.

When you live in NYC, playing tourist every once in awhile is too fun to pass up.

This day perfectly represents what New Year’s Eve is all about for me. Celebrating the old (a fave brunch place) and the new (MOMA). Finding connection (talking with Ian, no electronics, no agenda, no pressure) and clarity (pseudo-meditation at MOMA). A little reminiscing about the year gone by with a lot of hope for the one to come.

Since I realize most of you didn’t experience NYE at Noon (yes, I just decided this is our new tradition, Noon Year’s Eve), I hope you celebrate in a way that makes you both nostalgic and optimistic. I smile imagining those of you who love New Year’s Eve getting your nails done, your hair blown out, and putting on that killer new outfit for a rocking time tonight. Or those of you who hate the holiday enjoying a quiet night at home with Chinese food or pizza or whatever your favorite “special event” take-out is, with someone you love. I will be on my couch with my notebook, my kids, and my husband – the perfect end to this perfect day.